Sustainability and Green Tourism Plans
Refillable bottles made from plant based polymers for our guest toiletries
OUR ACTION Plan
Our action plans include (but are not limited to):
· We reduce pollution, emissions, and waste.
o We encourage guests through our pricing model to stay multiple nights in our location and explore our area rather than extended touring.
o We converted guest bedrooms into staff accommodation on site. We will not take lease nor purchase residential property in an area with chronic affordable housing shortages and no public transport for journeys to work.
o We have removed single-use plastic toiletries for shampoo, conditioner and body Wash using refillable bottles for made from plant-based polymers. We use refillable bottles or dispensers for hand sanitisers, bubble bath and body lotion. All guest hand soap bars are packaged in cardboard.
o We are in the process of removing single-use plastic from our food and beverage offering. For example, we have removed plastic drinking straws, we sanitise and re-use plastic food containers, and we are working on reducing the use of clingfilm. We have since 2018 offered to fill free of charge guests’ flasks and reusable cups with coffee and tea to take with them on their travels..
o We reduce emissions by our commitment to using local ingredients wherever practical. We have held a Taste our Best accreditation since 2016 from Visit Scotland for our menus’ Scottish provenance.
o We reduce waste by cooking from fresh ingredients and operate an evolving daily menu to maximise guest choice and variety while minimising waste.
o We are working on reducing our overall volume of waste, increasing recycling and composting, and reusing materials. This includes assessing whole life emissions/pollution as well as operating impacts.
o We undertake laundry on-site removing 40+ miles delivery and collection journeys.
o We have begun to grow vegetables, herbs, and cut flowers on the campus rather than have them delivered.
o We use peat free compost (since 2020) and re-use plastic plant pots, fish boxes, cardboard and pallets in our gardening. Old baths from refurbishments have been repurposed as raised beds.
o We invested in a Polycrub for the hotel garden rather than a polytunnel. The Polycrub uses polycarbonate panels and avoids repeated polythene wastage over the lifetime of the structure. The frame is constructed by ribs made from redundant pipe from aquaculture which would have ended up in landfill.
· We reduce the use of energy, water and other resources.
o Since 2016 we have reduced our energy consumption through the use of more energy efficient heating, cooking and laundry appliances, introduced timed LED outdoor lighting, and installed LED bulbs throughout the building.
o We have invested to conserve an old building (of historic interest) to maximise time before materials must be replaced
o We have a programme over ten years to improve existing and then replace windows with more energy efficient double glazing
o We are starting a programme to improve insulation in all buildings.
o We maintain our own private water supply (borehole) and have invested to improve the efficiency of the pumping system reducing energy consumption. Our refurbished ensuites have lower water usage toilets.
o We maintain our own sewerage system in compliance with all regulations.
o We have reduced the use of gas (Calor).
o In common with many small businesses we are reviewing and hoping to recontract our electricity supply, although in a period of exceptionally high charges many electricity suppliers are refusing to enter into contracts with hospitality businesses or demanding deposits of tens of thousands of pound in advance. Our current contract is 70 per cent renewables but only lasts from December 2022 to June 2023.
We work with Scottish and ultra local suppliers, contractors and partners with similar environmental standards
o Glenlyon Coffee, Tea from Jenier, Orkney Brewery, Harris Gin, shellfish from local fishermen, venison from local estates, Scotch Beef QA scheme.
o We bank with RBS/NatWest which has a strong commitment to environmental, social and corporate governance
o Highland Stoneware, Lochinver makes our beautiful ceramics and crockery and provides skilled local employment.
o Highland Blindcraft, a social enterprise in Inverness, for beds, mattresses and headboards
o Scottish artists such as Mogwaii Design and Harbour Lane
· We train employees in sustainable business practices
o We are strengthening this element of our staff induction programme and Employee Handbook and we appoint a sustainability champion among our employees.
We are signatories to the Good Business Charter.
We encourage our customers to support our environmental practices
o Separation of towels
o Pricing discounted to encourage multiple night stays (slow tourism) which encourages engagement with and spend within our local communities and businesses rather than “driving through” on the North Coast 500 route
o Regular posts in our social media highlighting suppliers and our own practices
· We conserve the 3 acres of grounds surrounding the hotel
o We plant and maintain to support pollinators and provide bee hotels, wood piles etc
o We have reintroduced wild flowers and native bog plants.
o We have a programme for replanting trees.
o We provide monthly information on flora, wildlife and birdlife in the grounds for guests as well as binoculars and reference books.
o We practice no mow May and June on the hotel lawn to ensure bog orchids and other flora from this Arctic periphery eco-system can flourish
Green TourISM
We are on an exiting new journey, providing evidence to Green Tourism for our initial grading and agreeing our plan for improvements. Each season we ask our team of employees to become a Green Team with every member responsible for maintaining and enhancing sustainability and choosing a champion to work with the business owners. . Learn more about our journey and plans by following us on social media or asking joint-owner Fiona Campbell Trevor.
